While the circling ritual is rich in symbolism, it's not without potential concerns. My couples are most commonly worried about tripping during the process, and ruining clothing/heirlooms/photos. Most of all, brides and grooms like to feel polished and pulled-together on their big day, and doing this awkward and unfamiliar choreography can really ruin that for a lot of people. Another common concern is time - especially if a couple doesn’t plan a special song or reading for this time, it can feel like walking in these circles will last FOREVER.

(image courtesey of Shelly Pate Photography)

Circling is not exclusive to Jewish weddings; it finds echoes in various cultures. Greek weddings involve a triple-circle dance, symbolizing the couple's journey. Indian weddings, particularly in the North, incorporate seven circles around a sacred fire, each representing blessings. Even Pagan ceremonies, like Handfasting, include a circle of guests binding hands around the couple.

Let’s talk about the traditional customs that surround the groom's tisch and the bride's throne - one way to enrich the happiest day of your life with Jewish customs that will bring friends and family from all faiths and customs a little closer together!

As a wedding rabbi, I have a lot of meetings where so many couples focus on the ceremony - which is great! Often, we don’t have time to talk about ways to incorporate pre-ceremony traditions into your wedding day, which can be another wonderful opportunity to include family members, especially when you are an interfaith couple.

The great thing about the groom’s table and the bride’s throne is that they require NOTHING in terms of Hebrew knowledge or special equipment! Here’s how these old-country customs can come through to add Jewish customs to your wedding ceremony without too much fuss.

As a wedding rabbi for interfaith couples, I help my brides and grooms carefully think through all the Jewish wedding rituals and customs so that their Jewish-interfaith ceremony will be the best reflection of them as a couple, and of the traditions they hold dear.

The circling ritual is just one of those things that almost everyone associates with a Jewish wedding. Yet, about half my couples opt out of circling under the chuppah. Let’s take a look at the roots of this custom.

Many couples have gone to the trouble to find the perfect ketubah - Jewish wedding contract - for their wedding. Now that it’s here…HOW do we sign it?

Rabbi LeighAnn, a rabbi for Jewish and interfaith weddings, walks you through the things to consider when planning your ketubah signing ceremony.

Many couples are moved by the fact that, simply by signing a ketubah, they are contributing to a long unbroken chain of Jewish history, and future Jews’ ability to learn about our lives and remember us after we have gone.

As an interfaith wedding rabbi, I have seen this argument affect Jews and non-Jews alike very powerfully.

Now - even though you like the idea of a ketubah, you may not like what’s in a traditional version. It may feel old and antiquated - that’s because it is. I love to work with couples to figure out how we can reconstruct the language of a ketubah while keeping to its original spirit.

Choosing a ketubah will be one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning for many Jewish and interfaith couples. As a wedding rabbi who has seen dozens of ketubot and checked them for errors, I’m here to tell you that no two are exactly alike, but they’re all equally emotional.

There are so many cross-cultural commonalities when it comes to weddings. Honoring our families, parental guidance, symbolic object exchanges, making public promises - these are universal themes. So, integrating different customs into your wedding isn't as challenging as it may seem.

You might be marrying someone who comes from a different faith or background, and that's beautiful. But it's crucial to have those deep conversations about your cultural and religious differences.

These days, there are diverse viewpoints within the Jewish communityon interfaith marriage, and each one is worth acknowledging. My goal isn't to convince or persuade; it's all about understanding, inclusion, and connection. This is the case for every rabbi and Jewish professional with an opinion to share on the subject, by the way - we are universally concerned with the continuation of Jewish life in the world.

Let’s talk about the  history of Jewish-Interfaith marriage. But before we dive in, let's set a few things straight. I want to emphasize that my goal is not to convince anyone to marry within or outside their faith. It's about understanding the twists and turns of the Jewish Peoples’ relationship to interfaith marriage, and how it shapes our perspectives today. 

Premarital counseling is a valuable resource that can enhance your relationship by providing tools, communication skills, and a safe space to address potential challenges. It's not a guarantee against problems, but it's a proactive step towards building a strong foundation for your marriage. Remember, it's about going in together as a team, just like you're about to embark on your married life together. So, consider it, explore your options, and ensure you're both on board with the process.

Premarital counseling is one of the most common questions I receive from couples planning their weddings, especially those who are hesitant about the idea. I understand; wedding planning is a whirlwind of cake tastings, venue tours, meetings with vendors, and family gatherings. The thought of adding more to the mix can be overwhelming. But let's unpack this topic and address your questions and concerns.

First and foremost, do I require premarital counseling from my couples? The answer is a straightforward "No." I do not require premarital counseling, nor do I offer it as part of my wedding officiant services. However, I do recommend it in certain cases, and here's where it gets a bit more nuanced—it depends.

Okay, so you've got a list of potential rabbis, and you're feeling pretty excited about a few of them. Now's the time to dig a little deeper. Take a moment to consider what you're looking for in terms of the rabbi's approach.

It's completely valid to voice your reservations about religious aspects, such as not believing in G-d or that you haven’t felt like setting foot in synagogue since your bar mitzvah. I hear you. While I won't remain neutral – after all, I host a podcast dedicated to Jewish weddings – I'm here to provide information that will hopefully help you feel secure in whatever decision you end up making.

From Google to Jewish Geography, there are so many ways to find a rabbi for your Jewish or Interfaith Wedding. Your wedding professionals, even if they're not Jewish, can be a treasure trove of recommendations. And don't hesitate to ask your wedding planner, vendors, or even acquaintances for their insights.

Don’t be afraid to start along the “Trail of Rabbis.” Each step brings you closer to finding the rabbi who'll create a heartfelt and unforgettable ceremony, one that's perfect for you and your partner. Happy hunting, and warm wishes on your wedding planning journey!

So, you’ve decided to look for a rabbi to officiate your Jewish or interfaith wedding. Congratulations! Let’s get started.

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as punching some things into Google and sending some emails. You need to do a little work on your end before you can even articulate what you’re looking for in a rabbi.

Before you settle on a date for your Jewish or interfaith wedding, check the calendar. We (Jews) have a LOT of holidays and celebrations on our calendar, so….buckle up.

I know that almost nobody finds a rabbi as the first thing on their planning list - except for my one June bride from this year, shoutout, you know who you are.

That’s fine, I just want to give you the info you need so you have the best shot at finding a rabbi to officiate your ceremony if that’s something you desire.

A Shabbat (Saturday) wedding is not as forbidden or impossible as you might think.

Let's dive into a topic that's close to my heart – whether or not it’s “okay” for a Jewish wedding to take place on Shabbat.

So, picture this – you've had your wedding date locked in on your calendar for quite some time, and, for several reasons, it’s on a Saturday. A quick search online about Jewish weddings on Saturday might scare you. The first page is full of sites that say it’s just unacceptable.

HOWEVER. I'm here to tell you that Shabbat weddings, from my experience are not only “okay” - they're a joyful, inclusive celebration that can be every bit as meaningful and beautiful as any other wedding.

Do we even need a rabbi for our Jewish or interfaith wedding? It's a question a lot of couples have...and nobody ever asks.

Spoiler: No, you don't. But listen for all of Rabbi LeighAnn's reasons that you should consider at least consulting a rabbi on how to include Jewish elements into your wedding ceremony.

From choosing wedding vows to including your parents in the ceremony to smashing the glass and yelling "Mazal Tov!," there's a lot to learn about Jewish weddings. Call one of the pros - there are tons of rabbis who will be so excited to hear from you.